Cloud. Is it right for you? And what s it all about?

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1 Cloud. Is it right for you? And what s it all about?

2 Migrating to The Cloud The cloud is an unknown entity for many companies. We ve all heard that moving to the cloud is beneficial and important for businesses but the process of moving your infrastructure to the cloud can be a frightening prospect. We can help. Planning ahead and getting your ducks in a row is key to a successful move. And there s no substitute for seeking independent advice from an IT company who have expertise in this area. Here is an introduction to cloud migration, what it s all about and what to expect when you do move. Global cloud Services market is predicted to grow from $76.9 Billion in 2010 to $210 Billion in Gartner Why bother migrating in the first place? Good question. One you must be able to answer in order to define the business case for migrating. The aim should be to create efficiencies, improve flexibility and boost productivity. But how do we achieve this? Cloud computing can mean different things for different companies. Data storage, management, data collaboration, business continuity and disaster recovery are some reasons to go for cloud.

3 The potential benefits over traditional hardware and software are clear: greater flexibility, more power, reduced costs. So what are the different types of cloud and which one should you opt for? That depends on your type of business and how you tend to work. It s for this reason we recommend you consult an expert in cloud who can analyse what s best suited for you. 52% of organisations see the cloud as beneficial for growing their business or implementing a new company strategy. Microsoft survey, 2013

4 Choosing the right cloud Provider With a bewildering array of cloud companies and hundreds of different products, finding the right cloud service supplier (CSP) is difficult so it is wise to consider your options carefully. Choosing the wrong cloud provider can have serious negative results. When choosing a CSP there is no substitute for unbiased advice from experts who understand the options available. Consider these points: 1. Cut through the marketing hype. Be careful to carry out a thorough comparison of technical aspects, pricing and service level agreements SLA s. 2. Ask for some reference points. A decent provider should have a proven track record of delivering the cloud services you need, to businesses similar to yours. 3. Make sure your CSP has a flexible, scalable offering that can accommodate future demands as your company grows or your imperatives change. 1 in 3 US companies now using the cloud for automation of business services. Redwood Software survey, Keep your options open in the future. Avoid getting locked-in to cloud infrastructure that has restrictive contracts or proprietorial technologies (technologies that are unique to the specific supplier). Open source systems on widely used platforms are usually far more flexible.

5 5. Understand how you are billed. Each CSP will have a different price system, so understanding how you pay for each service is essential for a meaningful comparison. 19.6% growth in cloud services worldwide in Gartner 6. Even the largest providers can experience technical problems and when disaster strikes you could be left high and dry. Check Service Level Agreements (SLAs) carefully. They should be clear and simple, explaining the minimum service guarantees, who is responsible should there be a technical issue and how you will be compensated. 7. Security is paramount. Naturally your potential supplier should follow recognised security policies in line with industry best practice. But make sure you understand the data privacy and retention policies too, as well as the data storage location. 8. Backup equipment that takes over the function of equipment that fails should be discussed at an early stage. Adequate backup procedures and robust disaster recovery plans must be incorporated into your cloud offering. 9. Make sure your potential provider has a user-friendly client portal. It should allow you to conduct admin tasks or add storage space or services easily. Ask for a demonstration before you choose one CSP over another.

6 Understanding your current systems Have you considered which parts of your infrastructure you want to move to the cloud? Storage is a big factor and migrating to the cloud can negate the need for costly local hardware. You must however consider that some cloud providers do not support certain operating systems and platforms. With some early pre planning, you can assess the scope of your migration and find your best available options. Cloud computing soloutions should be the natural option for small business. In a recent survey, 62% of SMBs reported using some type of cloud application. CIO Enterprise Forum Connectivity: crucial for working with cloud When you move to the cloud, fast and stable internet connectivity becomes of utmost importance. This may be a good time to invest in a better internet connection or a dedicated point-to-point connection to give you a wide area network ( WAN ) similar to a high speed local area network ( LAN ). Although the cost of connectivity has fallen in the last few years, depending on your location and the connection required it can still be costly. We can advise you on your connectivity options and have agreements with telecoms providers that means reduced rates and preferential terms on a contract. With the BT network roll-out of Fibre Optic broadband throughout the UK, costs can be dramatically reduced whilst still providing a superior connection for cloud based services.

7 40% of small British businesses have grown during the recession by using cloud computing; 58% reported that cloud computing has helped reduce their IT costs. Manchester Business School & Vanson Bourne survey, 2012 Want some assistance planning a perfect move to the cloud? We can help you make your decision and any migration projects. Call +44 (0) or info@easycc.com for more info. Infrasructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) will achieve a compound annual growth rate of 41.3% through 2016, the fastest growing area of public cloud computing. Gartner